Obviously this is not a do-it-your-self job. You will need
an experienced vet that is willing and able to make X-ray pictures, and is
confident to do the job along the lines OFA specifies.
So lets put things in a sequence to get some idea what you
have to do...
- Email to the OFA, asking them to send you an
application form for Radiographic Evaluation and the accompanying
instruction leaflet called: "Instructions for taking films
for OFA dysplasia evaluations"
- Show the form to your vet, ask him to study it and
verify that he is willing to do the job as described in the OFA
documentation.
- Make an appointment to bring the cats in the morning.
They will get a mild anesthesia to relax the muscles. They will be awake
in the afternoon so you can pick them up.
- Complete the application form and mail it together
with the pictures to the OFA.
- Keep your fingers crossed and wait for about 6
weeks...
Other relevant notes:
- Only cats older than 2 years can get certification.
Younger cats can only have a preliminary evaluation report. This
is because HD develops slowly in time.
- OFA certification involves three OFA selected
specialists and costs 30 dollars per cat. Preliminary evaluation
costs 25 dollars and is done by only one OFA selected specialist.
(prices June 2002)
- Cattery rate: for indivuals submitted as a group from
the same cattery (5-10 cats) the fee is only $15 per study (prices June
2002)
- For more information check
the OFA site
-
